SUNNY Stamford Golf Club set up a scenic stage and a challenging course for the penultimate fixture of the Manchester Alliance’s busy winter season which began last September and has attracted full fields of players each week since then.

There were some outstanding feats with the am am posting what could be the biggest-ever score from Flixton duo Carl Tetlow and Bob Barrow (pictured) of 49 points which included a blob and a one-pointer on two of the holes!

The early leaders were Stamford’s Ian Fearns and John Stockley (Werneth)with 41 with John, who did the bulk of the scoring at the tender age of 90, possibly being the oldest player ever in an Alliance winter competition!
They did get overtaken by home pair Leigh Williams and Dave Quinn with 46 and Dave Smith (Hart Common) and Danny Beeley (Ellesmere) 42.

The top spot by Bob Barrow saw him pick up enough points to win the Amateur Order of Merit title from Paul Robinson (Davenport) at the final hurdle.

The pro am top spot went to Scott Howarth (Davenport) and Peter Botterman (Stockport) who won a cpo on 44 from Alan Crompton and John Egan (Haigh Hall), two more than Andy Palmer (Chorley) and Paul Barlow (Stamford).

It was also close in the individual pro section with Andy Palmer sharing top spot with Ian Ridgway (Disley) 39 one more than Scott Howarth.

Andy Earlam (Saddleworth) showed his experience as a youngster at Stamford many years ago by winning the Nearest the pin prize on the 18th.

As always there was terrific organisation from the Alliance team backed by friendly hospitality from the Stamford staff.

Geoff Garnett